'99 Tahoe - Expedition Build!

[Spargman]

Absolutly awesome:Wow1ics Spargman. I guesse the guy with the Ford was pissed off at his car and wanted to punish it. Maybe you should have given the guys a lift and left that junk there to rot..... Cheers, Chilli.

Thanks Chilli! It was a funny day, this guy got lucky we had sand tracks b/c we were the last rig coming through for the day...some guys just don't realize the seriousness of their actions!

 

[Spargman]

Check out this climb on Fins & Things in Moab - crazy steep - who said Chevy IFS can't climb??

[video=facebook;4268327631642]http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4268327631642[/video]

This was a narly descent on the same run - check out where the bumper first hits. I have a thimble on my synthetic line from Viking Offroad and it survived this nose drop!!
[video=facebook;4268922486513]http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4268922486513&set=vb.338930982832594&type=2&theater[/video]

 

[Cee-Jay]

Awesome rig and I'm enjoying your pics and videos a lot.

I've often thought a Tahoe would be perfect for me in many ways... if only there was a 2500 version with the 9.25" IFS and the 9.5" rear. I've been worried about how well the 8.25" IFS would last and also Tahoe's are a little expensive around my way. Looks like you've done a great job strengthening the IFS and working out custom solutions to make up for the limited after market options available.

Obviously the 9.5" SF 14 Bolt gives you some security on hard core trails, especially since you are towing. Then again, the trade off is weight and an inch or so of lost minimum ground clearance. Did you consider sticking with the 10-bolt rear given that you're only running 33"s with a limited slip (admittedly, this is probably the upper end of what one might reasonably expect out of a 10-bolt)? I'm not at all suggesting that you shouldn't have upgraded, I'm just curious as to your thought process.

Thanks and safe travels.

 

[redaddiction]

You still out here in the Southwest? Just finished White Rim trail with the wife this afternoon and we are headed further west tomorrow.

 

[redaddiction]

"- what was this guy thinking!?!?"

Clearly, he was NOT. He should be told to get outta the gene pool IMHO. The utterly mindless behavior of people never ceases to amaze.

Great pics by the way, jealous of your trip. White Rim is on my To Do list.

There was a Kia that got lost out there yesterday, came down the switchbacks and missed the turn towards Potash/Moab. Even had a stock Yukon XL go past our campsite the first day, didn't see him the next day so figured he made it out.

 

[Spargman]

There was a Kia that got lost out there yesterday, came down the switchbacks and missed the turn towards Potash/Moab. Even had a stock Yukon XL go past our campsite the first day, didn't see him the next day so figured he made it out.

Some people are surprisingly inept...enjoy the white rim??

Some more updates that are looong overdue!

Utah:

 

[noJeepshere]

Nice pictures!! Glad you're having a fun trip.

Question: how do you like having the air compressor inside? My plan was to mount it under the hood, but if it's quiet where you have it, I may just put it there instead.

 

[Spargman]

Nice pictures!! Glad you're having a fun trip.

Question: how do you like having the air compressor inside? My plan was to mount it under the hood, but if it's quiet where you have it, I may just put it there instead.

I personally could not find a space large enough under the hood to mount that compressor. For me, grinding out that space in the trunk was perfect...it fit like a glove and I was able to run a dedicate hose out the body and through the bumper. Everything is hidden for me (except the quick disconnect coming out of the bumper) and I have the air pump switch built into my 12volt guy panel.

To reduce vibration when the pump is on, all the screw mounts have rubber on them and I insulated the area with roofing rubber (cheap stuff). Also, if you plan on running an air tank, the spot where your spare tire is (or used to be) is a great spot for mounting a tank safely out of the way.

If you remind me next week (truck is at my brother's house right now), I'll take some photos of the setup.

 

[noJeepshere]

I personally could not find a space large enough under the hood to mount that compressor. For me, grinding out that space in the trunk was perfect...it fit like a glove and I was able to run a dedicate hose out the body and through the bumper. Everything is hidden for me (except the quick disconnect coming out of the bumper) and I have the air pump switch built into my 12volt guy panel.

To reduce vibration when the pump is on, all the screw mounts have rubber on them and I insulated the area with roofing rubber (cheap stuff). Also, if you plan on running an air tank, the spot where your spare tire is (or used to be) is a great spot for mounting a tank safely out of the way.

If you remind me next week (truck is at my brother's house right now), I'll take some photos of the setup.

That would be great. My plan for where the spare used to go is for a fuel tank from a 2 door Tahoe to be used as a transfer-style tank. There is some space forward of the axle that I think I can run a small tank or two. Actually, I thought of this but need to crunch some numbers to see if it will actually work, is behind the rear quarter panels. I think they might have enough room to hold a 2-gallon tank or so.

 

[Spargman]

That would be great. My plan for where the spare used to go is for a fuel tank from a 2 door Tahoe to be used as a transfer-style tank. There is some space forward of the axle that I think I can run a small tank or two. Actually, I thought of this but need to crunch some numbers to see if it will actually work, is behind the rear quarter panels. I think they might have enough room to hold a 2-gallon tank or so.

I'm intrigued with your fuel tank idea...I might be missing it from your description, but what is the extra tank going to be utilized for?

 

[FellowTraveler]

Your tank idea

That would be great. My plan for where the spare used to go is for a fuel tank from a 2 door Tahoe to be used as a transfer-style tank. There is some space forward of the axle that I think I can run a small tank or two. Actually, I thought of this but need to crunch some numbers to see if it will actually work, is behind the rear quarter panels. I think they might have enough room to hold a 2-gallon tank or so.

A thought, I suggest using fuel cells w/bronze wool inserts to prevent an explosion in quarter panel areas if impacted hard enough as there is no real impact protection there.

 

[noJeepshere]

Boy howdy I didn't word that right:yikes:

I had two thoughts going on there, one was for the transfer tank idea where the spare was, something like fellowtravellers setup, have a low-amp high-volume pump to transfer fuel from the secondary tank into the factory main tank when it gets empty, and put the filler neck somewhere like the wheelwell.

The other idea about putting tanks in the quarter panels was for the on board air system. I think a little 2 gallon tank could fit, and with some serious framing around it, would be reasonably safe from impacts. Though I think in front of the axle would still be smarter.

 

[Spargman]

ahh...now I get what you're saying!

Personally (and this is just me), I would scrap the 2 gallon transfer tank idea and grab a portable tank and put it on the roof. It would take me such a long time to fabricate everything and then the wiring for the pump, etc etc...I would just buy a good portable and throw it on the roof.

If you ever go the route of a custom rear bumper, you can put as many as x2 5gallon gas tanks there!

However, i do know a guy that did that with his Land Cruiser and was pretty happy with the install.

 

[noJeepshere]

No, not a 2-gallon transfer tank, but a full size, 26-gallon 2-door Tahoe tank between the framerails! Then have a low-amp high-volume pump to transfer the fuel into the main tank.

 

[Spargman]

haha, got it now!! Holy toledo that's a lot of fuel...but you would have a huge capacity then!!